Despite economy, generosity is alive and well

[Key Guy]

From BC Local News Online (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)

http://www.bclocalnews.com/lifestyles/44840562.html

Quote:

For the past several years members and friends of the Aldergrove Adventist Church have annually been accepting nominations for "home makeovers" from Langley and area residents in need of a helping hand. Each year the selected family has been rewarded with a volunteer-based home makeover.

As this year’s project approached, however, organizers were a little worried.

“We’ve been helping out families with their home repair needs for a couple years now, and have built some excellent relationships with local businesses,” said Francis Douville, coordinator of the Extreme Home Repair project. “These businesses are truly the ones who keep the project going, by providing thousands of dollars in materials and services, either free of charge or at reduced rates. We just provide the heads, hearts, and hands to get the work done.”

Questions of the economic downturn were heavy on the hearts of the organizing team as they selected a family and began laying plans this spring. Would as many businesses be able to donate this year? Would those that helped be able to donate at the same capacity as in previous years?

Fortunately for Joyce Myckatyn of Aldergrove, a hardworking single mom of four, and this year’s home makeover recipient, the answer was a resounding “yes.”

“I can’t believe all these people who I don’t even know would do this for my family,” said Joyce.

The organizers are impressed, too.

“Our Langley community has once again rallied to make an exciting and heartwarming story come to life,” says Douville, who estimates close to $40,000 worth of materials has been donated thus far. “Each time we do this, I am awestruck by generous business people who make the welfare of their community a priority, but this year is extra inspiring because many of these businesses are already feeling the pinch.

"I know that in many cases they do it because they are inspired, as we are, by the courage of the people we are endeavoring to help.”

This year’s family is no exception. Having purchased a humble home five years ago, Joyce and her family worked together to bring it into shape. A year and a half was spent hand-digging drainage around the house to prevent flooding in the basement. As finances allowed, materials were purchased and installed to make the home more livable.

Recently, Joyce and her two sons with the help of friends, successfully replaced the house’s deteriorating roofing. It was Joyce’s tenacity and determination, and the positive example of hard work that she displayed for her children, that inspired the selection committee to choose her home from among the nominations received.

The project’s organizers were also impressed with how she was able to prioritize the needs of the home and look after the most urgently needed repairs first, rather than focusing on aesthetics or comforts.

With much left to do to make the house safe and comfortable, the Extreme Home Repair team looks forward to addressing many of the home’s outstanding issues. In some areas of the home, there is no drywall, and insulation is left exposed. Existing insulation is not adequate and vapour barrier is required.

The family of five shares one small bathroom that has seen better days. New cupboards are needed in the kitchen. Electrical deficiencies must be addressed throughout the house and certain areas of the ceiling are a patchwork of drywall that has been tacked up after leaks were repaired. Flooring is needed throughout most of the home, and the basement is all but bare bones.

Though the official project takes place May 15-24, pre-work has already begun. Before the family returns for the much anticipated “reveal” on Sunday, May 24, the Extreme Home Repair team hopes to address the urgent needs of the home, and throw in a few extra surprises along the way.

Though the task at times seems daunting, with the unwavering support of local businesses and volunteers, it’s sure to be a success.

Acts of Kindness (AOK) is a non-profit community outreach program of the Aldergrove Seventh-day Adventist Church which, since 1996, has been actively seeking out unique and meaningful ways to better the lives of individuals and families within Aldergrove, Langley, and beyond. The Extreme Home Repair project is one of several initiatives by AOK.

Further project details, including pictures of the family and

home, can be viewed at www.aokaldergrove.org